Introduction: Digital Tools to Support Mental Health

The digital world holds great power to transform knowledge. Digital health technology is emerging as an important asset globally to address the growing need for mental health and substance use management, and Canadians are supportive of incorporating it as part of the healthcare system (Canada Health Infoway 2023). The World Health Organization recognizes the power of digital health solutions to not only ensure sustainability of the health system but also to enhance access, quality and efficiency (WHO 2024). Countries such as Estonia, Australia, Denmark, Norway and Singapore are leading the way with nationwide, government-coordinated systems. In Canada, clear policies and strategies vary across provinces and territories, but early efforts are underway nationally to build a consolidated foundation required to support digital health. The Canadian Institute for Health Information is developing a Pan-Canadian Health Data Content Framework that will be connected to the Shared Pan-Canadian Interoperability Roadmap through Canada Health Infoway. It will provide standardized ways to integrate and share data across platforms, with health information accessible across all jurisdictions and organizations.